First UAV set to patrol border with Canada

[unhappycamper]

First UAV set to patrol border with Canada
The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Dec 3, 2008 18:50:42 EST

GRAND FORKS, N.D. — The first unmanned aircraft system to patrol the border between North Dakota and Canada is coming to the Grand Forks Air Force Base.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials say the Predator B drone is set to land at the base on Thursday afternoon. The plane is expected to be operational in January.

The Predator weighs 5 tons, has a 66-foot wingspan and can fly undetected at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet. It will be equipped with sensors and radar.

The plane has been in use along the southern border with Mexico since 2005.


Article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/12/ap_grand_forks_predator_120308/%2e